How the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ helped save Australian soldiers in WWII

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were indigenous people from Papua New Guinea. They were primarily from the Oro Province and other regions along the Kokoda Track.

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels often came from various tribes, including the Orokaiva, Koiari, and Binandere peoples. Their communities had been deeply affected by the war, which is why so many villagers volunteered to support the Australian forces.

In particular, the leadership of local chiefs, such as Chief Guba of the Koiari people, played an important role in organizing and motivating their communities to assist the Allied troops.  

The specific term 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels' originated from Australian soldiers themselves, who used it to describe the admiration and affection they held for the indigenous people who helped them.

It reflected both their appearance and their actions. 'Fuzzy Wuzzy' referred to the unique, curly hair of these indigenous individuals, which was strikingly different from that of the Australian soldiers.

In addition, the word 'Angels' acknowledged their life-saving role for the wounded. To the soldiers, these individuals seemed like saviors who appeared in their darkest hours.

In July 1942, Japanese forces had landed in Papua New Guinea and began advancing south along the Kokoda Track towards Port Moresby.

This mountainous path therefore became the site of a series of fierce battles between Allied and Japanese troops until November 1942. Approximately 1,000 Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels chose to support the Allied troops along the Kokoda Track.

Their primary roles included transporting supplies and evacuating the wounded. One of the most strategic benefits were when the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels guided troops through dense jungle and over difficult mountain paths, often avoiding Japanese patrols.

In total, they transported around 500 tons of supplies, including food, ammunition, and medical equipment, to the front lines. 

In particular, in August 1942, the Japanese forces reached Isurava, which became the site of a crucial battle. These combined efforts culminated in the successful counteroffensive beginning in September 1942, where the Allies began to push back the Japanese forces.

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ support enabled the Australians to maintain pressure on the retreating enemy, leading to the eventual recapture of Kokoda by November 1942.

This victory halted the Japanese advance toward Port Moresby and protecting a crucial Allied position. On September 26, 1942, the Allies launched a counteroffensive to retake Kokoda.

By mid-November 1942, the Japanese forces were pushed back to the northern coast, culminating in the Battle of Buna-Gona.  

Throughout the Kokoda Campaign, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels carried wounded soldiers to safety. This was accomplished under extremely harsh conditions, with each porter often traveling up to 16 hours a day.

Under the constant threat of enemy attacks and the rugged terrain, these porters navigated the dangerous paths with remarkable skill.

The evacuation of the injured involved carrying stretchers through narrow, muddy trails and steep inclines.  

Each stretcher, which was typically improvised from blankets and bamboo poles, required two to four porters to carry.

On some occasions, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels had to construct makeshift bridges to cross rivers and ravines. In total, they evacuated over 750 wounded soldiers.

As a result, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels significantly boosted the morale and fighting capability of the Australian troops. Wounded soldiers, who might otherwise have perished, received medical care and recovered to rejoin the fight.

By the end of the campaign, their contributions had not only saved countless lives but also played a crucial role in the overall success of the Allied operations along the Kokoda Track.